Is This the New Normal?

Throughout the world—and right here in Butler County—it is no secret that immense fear, frustration, and loneliness are being felt. Regardless of individual values, there is a growing sense of danger that seems to intensify with each new sunrise in our community.

The most important thing to remember is this: what is becoming increasingly normal—extreme violence, innocent people being ripped from their homes, lives lost senselessly—is not normal. And it cannot be accepted as such. Here in Butler County, these realities are not abstract headlines; they show up in our schools, our libraries, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods.

So, the question becomes: what actions can we, as Butler County residents, take to use our voices and make a real impact? In short, What can we do?

Voting and Community Action

The importance of voting on Election Day cannot be overstated. As citizens, it is both our right and our responsibility to cast a ballot—whether in person or through an absentee ballot. At a time when voices are being actively silenced and disregarded, educated voting is imperative. It is one of the most powerful ways we use our voices.

Local elections matter just as much as national ones—if not more. Decisions made by Butler County school boards, city councils, county commissioners, and state representatives directly shape our daily lives. These are the officials who influence school funding, library governance, zoning decisions, healthcare access, and community safety.

Doing your due diligence on the issues and candidates on the ballot is essential. As voters, we must evaluate our political and civic priorities. Ask yourself: Which values or social issues matter most to me as a Butler County resident? Which candidates are actively supporting progress on issues like education, healthcare access, reproductive rights, or LGBTQ+ safety?

Your vote carries the same weight as anyone else’s. Do your part—for the sake of our community. A strong starting point is visiting candidates’ official websites and verified social media pages to better understand what they stand for and what they are promising to deliver to Butler County residents.

But our opportunity for action does not begin and end on Election Day. It’s easy to feel disheartened or overwhelmed—We’ll be the first to admit that. Yet those feelings can also become fuel. Change often begins with smaller, local steppingstones: attending Butler County community meetings, getting involved with local organizations, and reaching out to your elected representatives.

It may feel like a whisper at first, but as more of us act together in Butler County, that whisper becomes a shout—one that cannot be ignored.

What Can I Even Trust?

With so much information circulating, it’s fair to ask: How do I know what to trust? We get it. As technology and social media have exploded over the last few decades, identifying credible information can feel nearly impossible. But it is possible—if we approach what we read with a critical eye.

We urge you to remain proactive and hopeful, but not naïve. Here are a few reliable places for Butler County voters to start:

• Official websites of candidates running for local, state, and federal office

• Verified social media accounts of candidates (such as Instagram and Facebook)

• Looking further to determine affiliated organizations and group with candidates

• The Ohio Secretary of State’s website, which provides extensive information on Butler County elections, candidates, and voting requirements

You can also narrow your research by focusing on specific issues that affect our community—such as public education, housing affordability, local healthcare access, or censorship in schools and libraries. Importantly, research all candidates, including those you may not plan to vote for. Staying informed is essential, especially at a time when access to knowledge itself is being challenged and restricted.

Grounding Ourselves and Moving Forward

It is equally important that we understand ourselves and keep pushing forward. As terrified as we are with each passing day, we ground myself in what we are fighting for—the safety, dignity, and future of our Butler County community. Words I return to time and again come from one of my greatest inspirations, Michelle Obama, and her “When They Go Low, We Go High” speech. Her message serves as a reminder that love is stronger than hate and hope stronger than fear.

We cannot overstate the importance of taking community action and using your voice—not just on Election Day, but with every action, word, and choice we make. You may hear people say someone is being “too political,” but let me be clear: in a time when basic rights are under attack, everything is political.

Here in Butler County, the privilege of disengagement is one many cannot afford. The decisions being made locally affect our neighbors, our children, and the most vulnerable members of our community. Staying educated and active—locally, statewide, and nationally—is not optional if we want to protect our shared future.

In closing, I leave you with a few hopeful reminders, because the voices of Butler County Dems need yours:

• Mark your calendar for Election Day (MAY 5^TH) & make sure you’re registered to vote

• Do your research on local and statewide candidates

• Get involved in your community

Butler County’s future is shaped by the people who show up. We need you there.

Your friends,

The Butler County Dems